Kamitarawara Yutate Kagura (Kamitarawara Yutate Kagura) White-robed performers douse themselves with hot water The Kamitarawara Yutate Kagura took place on December 8, 2024, at Mitarai Shrine in Kamitarawara, Mie-machi, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu. This ritual, offered once every three years to pray for good health and a bountiful harvest, drew many spectators on the day. The ceremony begins with the aragami (rough deity) performing a water purification of two large cauldrons whose fires have been kept burning, then wildly dancing over the charcoal fire while scattering sparks. Next, two performers in eboshi caps and hakama stir the water, scoop it by hand, and collect the yudama (water spirit) to offer before the deity. Then two white-robed performers drench themselves with water using kumazasa bamboo leaves, dance barefoot over the charcoal fire, enter the cauldron area to recite norito prayers, and conclude with a final dedication dance. The powerful, otherworldly spectacle drew loud applause from the audience. Location On the grounds of Mitarai Shrine (Kamitarawara, Mie-machi, Bungoono City) Access to central Bungoono City About a 3-hour drive from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About a 2-hour drive from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture Follow Bungoono City on Instagram for recommended sightseeing, gourmet spots, and accommodations⬇ Bungoono City Tourism Association @satonotabiii We would be happy if you follow us. You can find the Bungoono City Tourism Association website linked from our profile.

Uedahara Yutate Kagura (kamitawara yutate kagura) — The fierce deity that scatters sparks The Uedahara Yutate Kagura took place on December 8, 2024, at Mitarai Shrine in Uedahara, Mie-machi, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu. This ritual, offered every three years, prays for health and safety and a bountiful harvest. Many spectators attended on the day. The performance begins with the fierce deity testing the hot water from two large kettles as the firewood continues to burn; after that, the deity whirls and stomps across the charcoal fire, scattering sparks. Next, two performers in eboshi caps and hakama stir the water, scoop it by hand, and collect the yudama (water spirit) to offer before the shrine. Then two performers dressed in white drench themselves with sasa bamboo, dance barefoot over the charcoal fire, enter the kettle, recite norito prayers, and finally perform the concluding dance. The bold, otherworldly display drew great applause from the crowd. Location On the grounds of Mitarai Shrine (Uedahara, Mie-machi, Bungoono City) Access to central Bungoono City About a 3-hour drive from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About a 2-hour drive from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture Instagram shares recommended spots for sightseeing, food, and accommodations in Bungoono City ⬇ Bungoono City Tourism Association @satonotabiii We would be happy if you follow us. The Bungoono City Tourism Association website is linked from the profile.

[e-Sports Trial Event 🎮] Today (December 10) an "e-Sports Trial Event" took place in the Sakamoto area.💡 At first, many faces looked tense—perhaps from unfamiliar games and the cold—but as the rounds went on people relaxed and smiles grew.😁✨ Some teams shone with individual skill, others with outstanding teamwork, and each team had its own style. The crowd cheered loudly whenever other teams played, creating a lively atmosphere.😆 Hearing comments like "That was fun!" and "Let’s do it again!" made us very happy.😄

Autumn foliage spot in Kyushu, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture Introducing the 2024 autumn colors at Yujaku Park (Yujaku Kōen) Yujaku Park in Asaji Town, Bungoono City Around 500 maple and Japanese maple trees line the Tanji Pond and Shinji Pond, making this one of Oita Prefecture’s representative autumn foliage spots. Many visitors come during the autumn color season. In 2024, the foliage was later than usual, with peak colors around late November. Every year from early to mid-November, the Momiji Festival is held, and the herbal rice cakes made by local residents are very popular during the event. For one day a special stage is set up on the pond for an event called Yujaku Night Kagura Mizukagami. Please visit Yujaku Park again in 2025. Location Yujaku Park (Ageotsuka, Asaji Town, Bungoono City) About 45 minutes by car from Oita Mera IC About 6 minutes by car from Roadside Station Asaji About 4 minutes by car from JR Asaji Station Parking available (free) Access to central Bungoono City About 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About 1 hour 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About 1 hour 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture Instagram shares recommended spots for sightseeing, food, and accommodation in Bungoono City ⬇ Bungoono City Tourism Association @satonotabiii We’d be happy if you follow us. A link to the Bungoono City Tourism Association website is available from the profile.

[Recording of Itome Meeting Deluxe] Today, December 5, we recorded the hugely popular “Itome Meeting” segment of Gokasecho Kurara Channel, beloved both inside and outside Gokase Town📹✨ Although the recording was originally scheduled for June, it was postponed due to various circumstances😭 The venue was Potunto Ikkenya Kuraoka, which just opened this October🏠💡 On a set that looked like a real TV show, we welcomed local legends Ito-shan (96) and Tome-shan (98) from the Kuraoka district, Gokase Town, plus special guest Asakiss-san (98). The three of them, totaling 292 years, delivered razor-sharp conversation🤣👏 Reporters from Miyazaki Nichinichi Shimbun also covered the event, and Itome Meeting continues to lead the way in energizing Gokase Town literally from the front lines…🥹✨ This edition has been powered up as “Itome Meeting Deluxe – Together with Asakiss-san♪” and will be released soon🤩🙌 Please subscribe to Gokasecho Kurara Channel on YouTube and look forward to the video upload🥳💫 Their quick-witted responses, despite being nearly 100 years old, are sure to inspire you. If you haven’t seen it yet, please give it a watch🤗

Autumn in Gokase: Peak Season Now! Josenji With only one calendar page left and autumn foliage ending in most places, surprisingly Josenji is now at its peak 😳🍁 It was cloudy when I took the photos, but the deep, vivid reds stood out and looked incredibly beautiful 🥹✨ While leaves are fading elsewhere, are the trees at Josenji a late-foliage variety? Or is it due to local environmental factors? I’m not sure, as I don’t know the details… In any case, I never expected to see such stunning autumn colors in December 😳👏 Please stop by and enjoy them for yourself 🤗✨

Commemorative Celebration for the Registration of Gokase Ara-odori as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Today, Sunday, December 1, a celebratory gathering was held at the Ara-Odori Hall in the Sakamoto district to mark the registration of “Gokase Ara-odori” as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in February of Reiwa 3 (2021).👏✨ Because the registration around Reiwa 3 fell during the COVID-19 pandemic, holding a celebration then was difficult, so today’s event was finally realized.🥹 After the opening, the ceremony proceeded smoothly with greetings from the Ara-Odori Preservation Society and congratulatory messages from guests, followed by kagami-biraki (sake barrel opening) accompanied by the powerful sounds of Ara-odori drums, bells, and matchlock gun volleys.🍶🔨 Later, Mr. Fujimoto, the lead dancer, gave the toast and the banquet began.👏 It was a wonderful gathering where members of the Ara-Odori Preservation Society, the dancers and their families all shared their various feelings about Ara-odori.😌 During the banquet, the host conducted interviews in which, somewhat shyly, everyone spoke passionately about Ara-odori.🤭✨ When people had enjoyed enough sake and conversation, the event concluded with three cheers of banzai.🙌🙌🙌 In Miyazaki, a land that preserves many traditional performing arts such as kagura, the registration of Gokase Ara-odori as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage truly felt like a great achievement.😳 Going forward, we hope these traditional performing arts, preserved and passed down in each district, will continue to be treasured.✨

Anata Terasu: Tea, Healing, Fortune-telling, and Goods Today, Saturday, November 30, Anata Terasu took place at Miyazaki Sabo’s Barber House ☺️🍀 This event, which was also held in summer, is now at Volume 5 🖐️💡 A wood-burning stove warmed the shop, giving a gentle, happy warmth 😌💕 A wide range of fortune-telling and healing services were available 🫶 I asked Hikari Therapy for a guardian reading and a channeled message this time 🤗 I was surprised by some unexpected results 😳 but they might indeed be true 🤭 I felt encouraged to keep the messages in my heart and live joyfully 💪✨ While others waited for healing services, they relaxed, chatted, and enjoyed delicious tea, chiffon cake, and bread 🍵 Healing goods like warm items and other soothing accessories were on display, making for a lovely event where time flowed slowly ☺️✨ Actually, I’m typing this post while eating the hojicha chiffon cake I bought… and it’s unbelievably delicious 🥹💕 The rich hojicha flavor and moist chiffon texture are perfect… If you get the chance, please try it ✨ This was a rewarding event recommended for anyone who’s always busy and feeling a bit short on mental space 🥰

[🍁Gokase Autumn Leaves 2024 Photo Submission Showcase — Part 6—🍁] Here we introduce works posted to the “#Gokase Autumn Leaves 2024” contest held on the Instagram account of Gokase Tourism Association! @gokase_pan

【🍁Gokase Autumn Foliage 2024 Photo Contest Entries — Part 5🍁】 Here we showcase works posted to the “#Gokase Autumn Foliage 2024” held on the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account. @thusandleavis様

🍁 Gokase Autumn Leaves 2024 Photo Contest Entries — Part 4 🍁 Here we introduce works posted to the "#Gokase Autumn Leaves 2024" contest held on the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account! @mitsu_yumi.0520 @naomin168 @niidome2110 (in no particular order)

🍁 Gokase Autumn Leaves 2024 Photo Submissions — Part 3 🍁 Here we showcase photos posted to the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account for the “#Gokase Autumn Leaves 2024” event! @donguri223103 @san.shimako.1105 @kaaazuuu1123 @kickcamp_with_jimny (in no particular order)

[🍁 Gokase Autumn Leaves 2024 Photo Submissions — Part 2 🍁] Here are works posted to the “#Gokase Autumn Leaves 2024” event on the Gokase Tourism Association’s Instagram account! @hiroko.gf1 @gokase_pan @miyazaki_212449 (in no particular order)

⛩ Gion Shrine Niiname Festival and Final Kagura Performance 👹 On November 23rd, the Niiname Festival and the final kagura performance were held at Gion Shrine in the Kuraoka district.⛩ First a Shinto ceremony took place, followed by a kagura dedication at the kagura hall.👹 Today we welcomed visitors from overseas and guests who came from Tokyo.😮 The gingko trees at Gion Shrine had turned color, creating a carpet of yellow.😆✨ Gokase Town is getting colder, and it looks like winter is finally arriving.⛄

[Searching for Autumn in Gokase] November 19 A little late, but I went looking for autumn around Gokase and am sharing some photos📸✨ Photo 1 / Shirataki Falls Photo 2 / From the bridge on the way to Unoko Falls viewing point Photo 3 / From Yūhi no Sato Ohashi (Sunset Village Bridge) Photos 4 and 5 / Near the torii at Myoken Shrine

G Music Corps Regular Concert On Sunday, November 17th, the G Music Corps held a concert at Yumeyume Plaza TAC in Takachiho Town🎺🎶 The program was packed into four exciting parts😳💡 Under the baton of conductor Mitsutoshi Hasebe, the concert opened with a Disney medley. Familiar tunes arrived on a dynamic sound that made people move along before they knew it🤩👏 In the second part, dancers from Takachiho Town’s studio DACTCREW delivered an impressive performance to popular songs🪩💫 The third part recreated the original show’s format with a lively amateur singing stage😆🎤 Seven contestants from Gokase, Takachiho, and Kumamoto Prefecture sang joyfully to live wind ensemble accompaniment✨ A former real bell-ringer from the original program played the bell live, a trophy was presented to the winner, and the excitement peaked 🥳👏 The final fourth part featured guests trumpeter MAKOTO, drummer Kiyotaka Kuroda, and pianist Satsuki Imamura in a powerful, high-impact set😳✨ Audience members praised the event, saying things like "I’m glad I came; I never expected it to be this much fun" 🥹💕 G Music Corps, active both inside and outside the prefecture, delivered a wonderful performance that makes you want to cheer them on for the future. Great job to everyone involved❗

Sunset Village Exhibition✨ On Saturday and Sunday, November 16–17, the former Kuwanouchi Elementary School gym hosted the "Sunset Village Exhibition" and the "Small Sato Frost Month Festival," to much excitement 😆🎉 Creative works by local residents were on display, and visitors toured them with great interest 👀 On Saturday, November 16, food stalls and workshops drew lively crowds 😁 At the workshops, many people happily carried their finished pieces home, and seeing that made us happy too 😊

Autumn foliage spot in Kyushu, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture Yuzaku Park Autumn Light-Up 2024 Yuzaku Park in Asaji Town, Bungoono City Around 500 maple and Japanese maple trees surround Tanji Pond and Shinji Pond, making this one of Oita Prefecture’s premier autumn color destinations. This site attracts many visitors during the fall foliage season. The 2024 light-up has ended. Location Yuzaku Park (Kamiozuka, Asaji Town, Bungoono City) About 45 minutes by car from Oita Mera IC About 6 minutes by car from Roadside Station Asaji About 4 minutes by car from JR Asaji Station Parking available (free) Access times to central Bungoono City About 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About 1 hour 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About 1 hour 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture Instagram shares recommended sightseeing, gourmet spots, and accommodations in Bungoono City ⬇ Bungoono City Tourism Association @satonotabiii We would be happy if you follow us. You can find a link to the Bungoono City Tourism Association website in our profile.

Autumn foliage spot in Kyushu, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture Walk through the autumn leaves of Yūjaku Park (Yūjaku Kōen) 2 Yūjaku Park in Asoji Town, Bungoono City Around Tanji Pond and Shinji Pond, about 500 maple and Japanese maple trees are planted, making this a representative autumn-color spot in Oita Prefecture. Many people visit during the autumn foliage season. Location Yūjaku Park (Kamiozuka, Asoji Town, Bungoono City) About 45 minutes by car from Oita Mera IC About 6 minutes by car from Roadside Station Asaji About 4 minutes by car from JR Asoji Station Parking available (free) Access to central Bungoono City About 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About 1 hour 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About 1 hour 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture Instagram shares recommended sightseeing, gourmet, and accommodation spots in Bungoono City⬇ Bungoono City Tourist Association @satonotabiii We would be happy if you follow us. A link to the Bungoono City Tourist Association website is available from our profile.

Autumn leaves spot in Kyushu, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture Walking among the autumn colors at Yujaku Park (Yujaku Kōen) Yujaku Park in Asaji Town, Bungoono City Around Tanji Pond and Shinji Pond, about 500 maple and Japanese maple trees are planted, making this one of Oita Prefecture’s representative autumn-leaf viewing spots. Many visitors come during the autumn foliage season. Location Yujaku Park (Kamiozuka, Asaji Town, Bungoono City) About a 45-minute drive from Oita Mera IC About a 6-minute drive from Roadside Station Asaji About a 4-minute drive from JR Asaji Station Parking available (free) Access to central Bungoono City About a 3-hour drive from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About a 2-hour drive from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture Instagram shares recommended spots in Bungoono City for sightseeing, food, and accommodation ⬇ Bungoono City Tourism Association @satonotabiii We would be glad if you follow us. You can find the Bungoono City Tourism Association website linked from the profile.

Autumn foliage spot in Kyushu, Oita Prefecture, Bungoono City [Hoshōji Autumn Leaves 2024] Hoshōji Temple in Kiyokawa-cho, Bungoono City. This venerable temple has a history spanning over 800 years. It displays vivid colors during the autumn foliage season. During the event period, the temple is lit up, enchanting visitors with its mystical atmosphere. Here is a look at the autumn leaves in 2024. [Location] Hoshōji Temple (1639 Udae, Kiyokawa-cho, Bungoono City) About a 50-minute drive from Oita Mera IC About an 8-minute drive from Roadside Station Kiyokawa ■■■ Access to central Bungoono City ■■■ About a 3-hour drive from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About a 2-hour drive from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ On Instagram, we share recommended sightseeing, gourmet food, and accommodation spots in Bungoono City ⬇ Bungoono City Tourism Association @satonotabiii We would be happy if you follow us. You can find the Bungoono City Tourism Association website linked in our profile. ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Autumn foliage spot in Kyushu, Oita Prefecture’s Bungoono City Hoshōji Temple (Hoshōji) Hoshōji Temple, which is lit up during the autumn foliage season, also looks beautiful in daytime. Hoshōji Temple is located in Kiyokawa-cho, Bungoono City. This venerable temple has a history of more than 800 years. It displays vivid colors during the autumn foliage season. During the event period, the temple is illuminated, and its magical atmosphere captivates visitors. Location Hoshōji Temple (1639 Udae, Kiyokawa-cho, Bungoono City) About a 50-minute drive from Oita Mera IC About an 8-minute drive from Roadside Station Kiyokawa We will also announce foliage conditions on the tourism association’s Instagram. ■■■ Access to Bungoono City center ■■■ About a 3-hour drive from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About a 2-hour drive from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ On Instagram we share recommended spots for Bungoono City sightseeing, gourmet food, and accommodations⬇ Bungoono City Tourism Association @satonotabiii We would be happy if you follow us. A link to the Bungoono City Tourism Association website is in our profile. ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Yujaku Yokagura Mizukagami: A Scene from Yakumo Barai 02 On November 9, 2024, Yujaku Yokagura Mizukagami took place in Asaji Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu. A kagura dance unfolded on a stage set above the Shinji Pond, creating a beautiful, otherworldly scene as the autumn leaves and the performance reflected on the water. ■■■ Access to central Bungoono City ■■■ About a 3-hour drive from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About a 2-hour drive from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ On Instagram, we share recommended spots for sightseeing, food, and accommodation in Bungoono City ⬇ Bungoono City Tourism Association @satonotabiii We would be happy if you follow us. You can find a link to the Bungoono City Tourism Association website in the profile. ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Yujaku Yokagura Mizukagami: A Scene from Yakumo-barai 01 On November 9, 2024, Yujaku Yokagura Mizukagami took place in Asaji Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu. The kagura dance was performed on a stage set above the Shinji Pond, and the autumn leaves and the kagura reflected on the water created a magical scene. ■■■Access to central Bungoono City■■■ About 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About 1 hour 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About 1 hour 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ On Instagram we share recommended spots for sightseeing, food, and accommodation in Bungoono City ⬇ Bungoono City Tourism Association @satonotabiii We would be happy if you follow us. You can find a link to the Bungoono City Tourism Association website in our profile. ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Yojaku Yokagura Mizukagami On November 9, 2024, "Yojaku Yokagura Mizukagami" took place in Asaji Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu. Performers displayed kagura dances on a stage set above the Shinji Pond, creating a beautiful, otherworldly scene as the autumn leaves and the dances reflected on the water. ■■■ Access to central Bungoono City ■■■ About a 3-hour drive from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About a 2-hour drive from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ On Instagram, we share recommended spots for sightseeing, food, and accommodation in Bungoono City ⬇ Bungoono City Tourism Association @satonotabiii We would be happy if you follow us. You can find a link to the Bungoono City Tourism Association website in our profile. ■■■■■■■■■■■■

[Searching for Autumn in Gokase] The season is silver grass (susuki)🌾✨ Gokase Town’s autumn leaves have finally come into their prime🍁 Today I visited Mt. Masugata and Mt. Futagami🚗💭 First, Mt. Masugata💪 The view was hazy, but the temperature was perfect and the summit felt refreshing😌🌿 The dodantutsugi (Enkianthus) turned bright red, and the susuki backlit by the sun glittered—what a sight 🥹👏 On the trail down toward Furuto-no Shrine from Mt. Masugata, I came across a scene that made me think, "Is this a picture book world!?"😳💡 Fields of susuki swayed like a sea, and set against the rolling mountains, the view was unbelievably beautiful✨ A new susuki spot…!?🌾 The susuki have become fluffy and are at their peak right now❗ Please go and look for them yourselves🤗 Next, Mt. Futagami💡 Until recently the road from Gokase was under construction and impassable, so it was my first time driving it in a while👣 Enjoying the patches of autumn color along the way, I made my way up to the observation deck with steady effort💪 By the time I reached the summit the sun had started to tilt, sharpening the mountain silhouettes, and the moon floated in the vast sky—a picture-like scene🖼️✨ It’s been ages since I climbed a mountain so I already feel it in my legs, but the joy at the top makes it totally worth it🤩 The Gokase Tourism Association is currently running the "Gokase Autumn Leaves 2024" event on its Instagram account, and you are welcome to submit photos of autumn scenes like susuki✨ Please share Gokase’s beautiful autumn scenery with us🤗💫 For details, see the pinned "Gokase Autumn Leaves 2024" post on the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram profile🍁

Yama no Ocha Sakamotoen Autumn Warehouse Sale Today, Sunday, November 10th, the “Autumn Warehouse Sale” took place on the grounds of Sakamotoen 🍵✨ Sakamotoen’s booth offered discounted teas, and shoppers who spent over ¥2,000 could enter a raffle—what a deal 😳👏 There were also light food stalls, food trucks, and booths selling crafts and relaxation services, creating a calm, pleasant atmosphere 😌💕 A fill-a-bag of mandarins for ¥500 drew challengers who expertly piled the bags full—watching their skill made me laugh out loud 🤣🤣🤣 The festival’s highlights, the hojicha latte and matcha latte, were truly delicious and ordered by many 🤤 I couldn’t stop at the hojicha latte I bought first and ended up enjoying a matcha latte too 🤭 Simply perfect ✨ Inside the building, beautiful kyusus and Sakamotoen’s tea products lined the shelves 😳💡It was pure luxury to imagine brewing tea with a favorite kyusu while browsing the many tea varieties 🥹… Although it rained, everyone relaxed and smiled as they enjoyed their tea, making it a lovely festival 😌💕

Gokase Junior High School Product! Dried Shiitake Mushrooms On Wednesday, November 6th, we observed a class of second-year students at Gokase Junior High School🍄‍🟫✨ The students handled every step themselves, from sorting and bagging the dried shiitake to setting the price🤗 The shiitake were grown as part of the school's curriculum. The current third-year students inoculated the logs last year, and the second-year students carried out the sorting and packaging this time👏 This year’s yield was lower than usual, so selecting good mushrooms was a tough task💦 However, the students enjoyed the work, consulting with each other—"Is this one okay?" "Maybe not…"—as they made their choices🤗 They weighed and bagged the mushrooms with sales in mind, aiming for balanced portions and an attractive appearance🤔 After sealing the packs neatly with a vacuum sealer, the students set the prices themselves, referring to current market rates👏 Those shiitake were actually sold at the Gokase Specialty Center at the prices the students decided😳✨ Finally, the students learned about log management and precautions, deepening their understanding of Gokase’s specialty product, log-grown shiitake😌✍️ We hope students continue to encounter and cherish the town’s specialties and culture from a young age and carry them forward into the future✨

Kokan Bridge (Kōkankyō) – Nationally Designated Important Cultural Property Kokan Bridge stands between Mie-machi in Bungoono City and Usuki in Oita Prefecture, Kyushu. The name Kokan means "a rainbow crossing a ravine," and true to its name it is a large, beautiful arched stone bridge spanning a mountain stream. Built in the late Edo period, it was erected on the road connecting Mie town and the castle town of Usuki. Because the river runs through a gorge, people of the time had to descend steep slopes, cross the river, and climb steep slopes again, enduring great hardship. To overcome this difficulty, wealthy merchants from Usuki and Mie pooled funds to build the bridge. This sturdy and elegant stone bridge is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. As an arched stone bridge from the Edo period, it is the largest in Oita Prefecture, with a span of 25.4 meters. Kokan Bridge was built where welded tuff from Aso pyroclastic flows had been deeply eroded by the river. Location: between Sugo, Mie-machi, Bungoono City and Nishihata, Notsu-machi, Usuki City, Oita Prefecture About a 35-minute drive from Oita Mera IC About a 4-minute drive from JR Sugaeo Station ■■■ Access to Bungoono City Center ■■■ About a 3-hour drive from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About a 2-hour drive from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ On Instagram we share recommended spots for sightseeing, dining, and accommodation in Bungoono City⬇ Bungoono City Tourism Association @satonotabiii We would be happy if you follow us. A link to the Bungoono City Tourism Association website is available from the profile. ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Searching for Autumn in Gokase At Josenji Temple’s three sites, I finally found red maple leaves 😭✨ When I visited last time, only one part had turned red, but that single tree was completely crimson and beautiful 🍁👏 A maple behind the temple gate at the entrance had turned orange 💡 Passing through the gate, I saw a plant bearing glossy red berries… is this viburnum? 🤔 It added an autumnal touch 🤗 Farther in, there were pretty pink and purple plants 🥰 The pink is mayumi (Euonymus) and the purple is muwashikibu (Callicarpa). They somehow give a “girly” vibe🤣 So cute 💕 Josenji Temple might be the most beautifully colored spot in Gokase right now…!? Gokase Tourism Association is running “Gokase Autumn Leaves 2024” on their Instagram, so take photos while the leaves are still beautiful and enter the contest 🍁📸 See the pinned “Gokase Autumn Leaves 2024” post on their Instagram profile for details 🤗✨ This year the best leaves might be gone before you know it while waiting for peak color. Go find autumn for yourself 🤗✨